Pedro Alliana sworn in as Paraguay president; ousted leader Peña under house arrest

After three years as vice president, Pedro Alliana suddenly found himself catapulted to Paraguay's presidency on Friday, following the impeachment of President Santiago Peña.

The country is in the grip of a political and financial crisis. This week, the collapse of Ueno Bank froze the savings of half of the country's adult population.

After taking office, the 52-year-old vowed to tackle the situation before his term ends in August 2028.

Meanwhile, former President Peña has been placed under house arrest in the capital, Asunción. Prosecutors said he will be questioned on Saturday over alleged crimes of breach of trust, influence peddling and misappropriation of funds.

Alliana was born in February 1974 in Pilar, on the banks of the Paraguay River. He built his political career with the backing of former president Horacio Cartes, the leader of the ruling Colorado Party and one of the most influential figures in the country.

Before going into politics, he pursued a business career and made a name for himself as a basketball player, representing the Paraguayan national team in 1991. Both of his parents served as local councillors.

His first venture into politics ended in defeat. In 2006, at the age of 32, he unsuccessfully sought the mayoralty of his hometown. But two years later, he was elected governor of the southern department of Neembucu.

He later served in the Chamber of Deputies from 2013 to 2023, presided over the lower house, and then led the Colorado Party.

In 2021, Alliana expected to run for the Senate, but Cartes told him he would instead become Peña's running mate. Peña once said Alliana could become 'the best vice president in Paraguay's history.'

Alliana has faced criticism over the number of relatives holding posts in public administration, among them his eldest daughter, Montserrat. The father of four is married to congresswoman Fabiana Souto.

Alliana did not hide his presidential ambitions. A year after taking up the vice presidency, he publicly acknowledged his desire to one day take the top job. In 2025, Cartes openly backed his possible candidacy, telling a Colorado Party event, 'Pedro, you are blessed,' and calling on supporters to get behind him as the 'next president of the Republic.' The relationship between the two eventually broke down, however, and after Cartes withdrew his support, Alliana stated on 26 October that loyalty should not be confused with 'blind obedience.' In the end, lawmakers moved to impeach Peña but rejected proceedings against Alliana — and his luck changed.